It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2024. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
La Dama
839 S. 2nd St., (414) 645-2606
ladamamke.com
Regional Mexican
$$-$$$
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Regional Mexican food is celebrated at La Dama, a restaurant that offers both a cozy, eclectic vibe (think tin ceilings, artful Mexico-themed murals), an open kitchen that allows you to see the impressive bustle of the chefs at work and – most importantly –beautifully presented modern fare. It’s a particularly wonderful place to visit during the summer months, thanks to their lovely back patio.
On the menu, you’ll find staples like fresh, citrusy aguachiles, outstanding tacos and truly lovely entrees like citrus-crusted salmon and shank birria that will challenge what you think you know about Mexican cuisine.
There's also plenty to enjoy at the bar, from well-balanced Margaritas and Palomas to Mexican beers and tequila and mezcal flights.
Recommended: Aguachile rojo, charro beans, lamb shank birria
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
